Luke 13:16

And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?

And {G1161} ought {G1163} not {G3756} this woman {G5026}, being {G5607} a daughter {G2364} of Abraham {G11}, whom {G3739} Satan {G4567} hath bound {G1210}, lo {G2400}, these eighteen {G1176}{G2532}{G3638} years {G2094}, be loosed {G3089} from {G575} this {G5127} bond {G1199} on the sabbath {G4521} day {G2250}?

This woman is a daughter of Avraham, and the Adversary kept her tied up for eighteen years! Shouldn’t she be freed from this bondage on Shabbat?”

Then should not this daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be released from her bondage on the Sabbath day?”

And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan had bound, lo, these eighteen years, to have been loosed from this bond on the day of the sabbath?

Context

Luke 13:16 is part of a significant account where Jesus heals a woman in a synagogue on the Sabbath day, sparking controversy. The immediate context, particularly Luke 13:14, reveals the synagogue ruler's indignation over Jesus performing a miracle on the day of rest, viewing it as a violation of the Law. Jesus' response in this verse highlights the hypocrisy of his accusers, who would readily untie their animals on the Sabbath for water, yet condemn the liberation of a human being from long-term suffering.

Key Themes

  • Compassion Over Legalism: Jesus prioritizes the needs of people and acts of mercy over rigid, unbending interpretations of religious law. He challenges the notion that the Sabbath is merely a day of inactivity rather than a day for doing good.
  • Satan's Activity and Jesus' Authority: The verse explicitly states that the woman's eighteen-year infirmity was a result of "Satan hath bound" her. This acknowledges the reality of spiritual oppression and suffering caused by evil forces. Jesus' act of healing demonstrates His supreme authority over Satan and His power to liberate from such bondage.
  • Dignity of Humanity: By calling the woman a "daughter of Abraham," Jesus emphasizes her inherent worth and spiritual heritage. This term elevates her status, suggesting that if animals deserve care on the Sabbath, how much more so should a human being, a child of God's covenant, be freed from suffering.
  • Divine Liberation: The core message is one of freedom. Jesus actively "loosed" this woman, signifying not just physical healing but also spiritual liberation from an oppressive force. This act points to Jesus' broader mission to bring freedom to the captives (Luke 4:18).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "bound" is deo (δέω), meaning to tie, fasten, or put in bonds. It conveys a strong sense of being held captive or severely restricted. The contrasting word, "loosed," is luo (λύω), which means to untie, release, or set free. This linguistic contrast powerfully underscores the dramatic shift from long-term bondage to immediate liberation that Jesus effects.

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers to consider where their priorities lie. Are we more concerned with outward appearances and strict adherence to rules, or with genuine compassion and alleviating suffering? It reminds us that Jesus has the power to break long-standing bonds, whether they are physical ailments, spiritual oppression, or habitual sins. Just as Jesus liberated the daughter of Abraham, He desires to bring freedom and healing to those who are suffering, challenging us to extend grace and mercy rather than judgment. It also serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus' ministry of healing those oppressed by the devil.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Mark 2:27

    And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:

  • 2 Timothy 2:26

    And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

  • Luke 19:9

    And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.

  • John 8:44

    Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

  • Acts 13:26

    Men [and] brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

  • Luke 3:8

    Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to [our] father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

  • Matthew 4:10

    Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

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